Weight adjustable sports equipment system, equipment, and weighted components therefor

ABSTRACT

A weight adjustable pickleball paddle system includes a main body including opposing playable faces. A handle is attached to the main body. A component receptacle is located in a lateral edge of the main body of the paddle and between the playable faces. A weighted component is dimensioned to be accommodated within the component receptacle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates and claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/307,548, filed on Feb. 7, 2022, in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various sports exist in which a user hits a ball with an object such aspaddle, club, racket, bat, etc. While some sports regulate the overallmaximum or minimum dimensions of the equipment used, few sports, if any,regulate the weight of the objects used to hit the ball. As such, manyof the equipment manufacturers design and sell equipment of varyingsizes and weights. In this manner, the user may select equipment havinga weight according to a personal preference, which may vary depending onone or more factors. Such factors may include: the league in which theuser is playing; training; competition; personal strength; skill level;etc. For example, a user may prefer a heavier paddle for use duringtraining and a lighter paddle for use during competition. Moreover, aplayer may even desire to change to a differently weighted paddle (orother ball-striking implement depending on the sport being played) inthe middle of a single game, where possible.

Having the ability to swap and use different objects with differentweights for different situations can be useful when playing at differentlevels. However, the burden of carrying, transporting, storing, and/orhaving to select between several different versions of the equipment isoften prohibitive, and/or, at the least, cumbersome. The many techniquesand variations in the techniques for manufacturing the objects with apreferred weight for hitting the balls in every situation are complexand expansive. Such complexity arises due to many factors including: adesire to accommodate each and every different player who frequently hasspecific preferences, the differences between sports and the respectiveequipment, or the subtle differences or events that may come up during aparticular game, let alone the varying benefits believed to be achievedvia differently weighted and/or structured equipment for hitting a ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered asproviding an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of theindividual components within individual figures. However, the drawingsare not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components,both within individual figures and between the different figures, mayvary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures maydepict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures maydepict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped forthe sake of clarity.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a pickleball paddle, as an exampleof sports equipment, configured to bear a weighted component, accordingto an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the pickleball paddle in FIG. 1A,according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of the side of the pickleballpaddle, as seen in FIG. 1B, bearing a weighted component, according toan embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of examples of a weighted component,according to embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a pickleball paddle configured tobear a weighted component, according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

This disclosure is directed to a manner of adjusting the weight ofsports equipment. More specifically, this disclosure is directed topaddles for pickleball that allow a user to change the weight thereofdirectly. Notably, it is believed that the techniques discussed hereinmay be readily applicable other sports equipment, and therefore, it isbelieved that the scope of this disclosure extends to other equipmentsuch as rackets, clubs, bats, etc.

Inasmuch as players vary in strength, skill, and abilities, sportsequipment companies have developed equipment for the various sports thatsatisfies the standards of possible equipment allowed in the basic rulesof each individual sport. Nevertheless, in this era of customization,many players have specific preferences for which each individual wantsequipment that is “just right.”

For example, in some instances, a player may desire to use sportsequipment that is heavier or lighter than the standard weight forgeneric or basic equipment in the selected sport. The adjustability ofthe weight of the equipment using a custom selection of one or moreweighted components allows the user to make adjustments in between usageof the equipment, including during even a relatively short reprieve fromgameplay or practice.

With respect to pickleball paddles, as indicated above, this disclosurefocuses on the devices and techniques for adjusting the overall weightof pickleball paddles. As such a pickleball paddle is illustrated in thefigures, and the description is written with the specific details thatare most applicable thereto. Nevertheless, it is believed that theprinciples herein regarding ways of adjusting the weight of a pickleballpaddle are applicable to many types of sport equipment. Thus, it isbelieved that the scope of potential claims in this regard may extend toother sports as well.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a pickleball paddle(“paddle”) is configured to permit a user to adjust the weight of thepaddle by adding one or more weighted components to, or subtracting oneor more weighted components from, the paddle. The weighted componentsmay be combined with the paddle by being placed in or on preformedcomponent receptacles, and/or may attach via a component surface to apaddle surface coupling, for example.

Notably, in an embodiment, the weighted components may be selectivelyremovable from the component receptacles in the paddle to accommodateeither a total weight reduction or to swap it out with a heavier orlighter weighted component. In another alternative embodiment, theweighted components may be preselected and then fixed in place in thecomponent receptacle locations at, or after, the time of initialmanufacture based on user preference. For example, a manufacturer mayoffer a base weight model of a paddle, and then the customer may have anoption to purchase additional weights, which may be preinstalled at themanufacturing facility, or at purchase. Additionally, a manufacturer mayoffer another form of personal customization such that a user may ordera paddle with component receptacles placed at specific positions aroundthe paddle rather than at predefined positions. For example, a user maywant or need component receptacles only at the bottom or only at the topof the paddle, or a user may want more component receptacles at a firstside of the paddle and not the other. Further, the user may want ahigher density or number of component receptacles at one portion alongthe edge of the paddle versus another in order to weight the paddle atthat location even more.

The weighted components may vary in type, size, and/or the amount ofweight. The weighted components may be implemented in one or more of avariety of forms, depending on the desired configuration, including:elements having a threaded shaft, styled similar to a screw for thepurpose of straightforward and quick application; tack styled elementsthat push into a portion of the paddle; compression fit components(e.g., wall to opposing wall, frictional size tolerance fits, protrusionand correspondingly located divot/groove fits, etc.); spring-biased,push-actuated insert components; interlocking components, such as aweighted component with features that accommodate entry into acorrespondingly shaped receptacle aperture in the paddle, whereby uponinsertion, a twist or turn of the component places the component in aposition that limits removal without further manipulation; modified edgeguard material/strips to surround or connect to at least a portion ofthe paddle edge; magnets that couple to the paddle; or other suitablyattachable pieces that do not interfere with the expected flow of theball during gameplay.

The weighted components may be formed of a variety of materials,including at least one of metal, plastic, wood, or otherhybridized/composite material suitable to be used for the purpose ofadding weight to the paddle.

Some potential advantages of a weight adjustable pickleball paddle, asdescribed hereinafter, may include: the paddle allows for a widevariation of customization to each individual player; players maypurchase a single paddle and can vary the weight at will instead ofhaving to purchase, store, carry, transport, etc. multiple paddles;multiple players may share a single paddle—one at a time, of course—withthe ability to alter it to the particular player's preferred weight;user strength, placement accuracy, and/or speed improvement; increasedhitting power; enhanced torsional stability during swinging and/or ballcontact; alteration of the paddle's sweet spot; and/or creation of acounterweight condition in the paddle. Other advantages provided by theweighted components may or may not be listed herein but will berecognized by those skilled in the art, including a professional playerand/or others upon much use of the paddle.

Illustrative Embodiments of a Pickleball Paddle with Weighted Components

FIG. 1A illustrates a weight adjustable pickleball paddle systemincluding a paddle 100. The paddle 100 includes a main body 102 havingopposed, parallel, and substantially planar playable faces 104 (only oneof the playable faces is visible in FIG. 1A). The playable faces 104 ofthe main body 102 may be fully or partially surrounded at the perimeterthereof by an edge guard 106. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown,the perimeter of the main body 102 may be formed with a tapered orotherwise closed side and may not need an edge guard such as edge guard106. Additionally, the paddle 100 includes a handle 108 extending fromthe main body 102.

According to the disclosure, a component receptacle 110 may be locatedon the paddle 100. For example, in an embodiment, as depicted via hashedlines in FIG. 1A, the component receptacle 110 is shown as extendinginto the main body 102 of paddle 100 from the perimeter thereof. Toclarify, as shown in FIG. 1B, the component receptacle 110 is openthrough the edge guard 106 into the thickness (i.e., the core) of themain body 102 that exists between the opposing playable faces 104. Assuch, the component receptacle 110 does not interfere with gameplay atthe playable faces 104.

Upon locating the component receptacle 110, a user may insert a weightedcomponent 112 therein and thereby add a small, predetermined amount ofweight to paddle 100. In an embodiment, component receptacle 110 mayhave threaded walls to receive a weighted component 112 that hascorresponding threads on the body thereof. However, the threads aredepicted only for the sake of convenience, and it is to be understoodthat the weighted component 112 and correspondingly engageable componentreceptacle 110 are representative of any other suitable engagingcombination of a weighted component and a component receptacle, as otherforms are described above.

Additionally, in an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1A, circles shown inhashed lines around the perimeter of paddle 100, including at the handle108, represent other potential locations 114 where additional componentreceptacles (like component receptacle 110) may be found or placed to beable to add more (or vary the position of) weighted components. That is,the locations 114 do not necessarily indicate that a componentreceptacle is, must, or will be placed there. Instead, it is possiblethat a paddle 100 may include a mark in the positions seen (or anywhereelse as desired) indicating a preferential location for the addition ofcomponent receptacle to receive a weighted component.

FIG. 1B illustrates a right-side view of the paddle 100. In anembodiment, the edge guard 106 of the paddle 100 may include aperturestherethrough at the locations 114 to accommodate access to a cavity(e.g., void, hole, empty space within a hollow insert) defining thecomponent receptacles, such as component receptacle 110. In analternative embodiment, the edge guard 106 may be solid (i.e., no holesto access the component receptacles when lining the perimeter) and, assuch, the edge guard may be applied to the main body 102 after adding orremoving any weighted components 112, as an additional means of ensuringthe weighted components 112 stay in place in the component receptacles110 at the perimeter of the paddle 100.

The cavity referenced by component receptable 110, may be defined by adepth (in FIG. 1A) into the main body 102, and a diameter (or othernon-circular opening shape/area of measurement) as shown in thethickness between the opposing playable faces 104 (in FIG. 1B).Moreover, a weighted component may be not larger than the cavity of thecorresponding component receptacle. Thus, a potential size (i.e.,maximum dimensional volume) of a corresponding weighted component may bedetermined if the depth dimension and the dimensions of the shape of thecavity are known.

In an embodiment, the component receptacles may be disposed evenlyspaced along the perimeter of the main body 102. In an alternativeembodiment, the component receptacles may be randomly spaced along theperimeter of the main body 102. Moreover, in an embodiment like that inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the component receptacles may be grouped and spacedevenly within the grouping (i.e., side, bottom, top), symmetricallyspaced on opposite sides of the main body, and/or selectively disposedaround the perimeter of the main body 102. Additionally, and/oralternatively, the handle 108 may further include a component receptacle114H, as depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the paddle 100taken from the side view of FIG. 1B. However, FIG. 1C further depicts aweighted component 112 disposed in the (now hidden) component receptacle(like component receptacle 110 at a location 114). More specifically, aportion of the weighted component 112 is exposed to the environment forquick user access. As one example of multiple potential embodiments, atooling feature 116 is depicted on the exposed surface of the weightedcomponent 112. The tooling feature 116 depicted is an “X” or “+” patternrepresenting crossed grooves like those of a “Phillips-head screw,” viawhich a user might use a Phillips-head screwdriver to install or removea weighted component embodied with such a tooling feature 116.Nevertheless, it is understood that the scope of protection of theinstant disclosure is not limited to the depicted tooling feature, asother tooling features are well known and used for various purposes andmay be easily suited for this purpose. Moreover, in an embodiment,proprietary tooling features may be implemented alternatively.

FIG. 2 depicts three variations of potential embodiments for use inpaddle 100 of weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C. Each weightedcomponent 200A, 200B, 200C may include a head portion 202A, 202B, 202C,respectively, that has a greater outer dimension OD1 than an outerdimension OD2 of a body portion 204A, 204B, 204C, respectively, whichextends from the head portion 202A, 202B, 202C, respectively. By sizingthe OD1 larger than OD2, a possible advantage is that the head portion202A, 202B, 202C may catch on a corresponding internal ledge in thecomponent receptacle, thereby minimizing the risk of inserting theweighted component farther than it should go and damaging the paddle.Though only represented by hashed lines within each head portion 202A,202B, 202C, the weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C may include atooling feature (e.g., like tooling feature 116) to assist withinstallation thereof into the main body of a paddle. Moreover, it isunderstood that the scope of protection of this disclosure should not belimited only to weighted components having the expressly describedprofile of a step down first cylindrical/disc-shaped head to a secondcylindrical elongated body, as it is contemplated that differentlyshaped profiles and cross-sections are easily variable. Nevertheless,this potential for a different profile shape does not minimize theutility of the specific profiles as described above and depicted in thedrawings.

Additionally, the weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C may, in anembodiment, include an internal hollow space 206A, 206B, 206C within thebody portion 204A, 204B, 204C, respectively. In some embodiments, aweighted component may be solid and therefore have no internal hollowspace. This may be due to an embodiment of a higher weight, or forstructural integrity, such as in the case where the chosen materialrequires more structural support, for example. Nevertheless, theinternal hollow space 206A, 206B, 206C may range in size to vary theweight of the independent weighted components (i.e., larger hollow spaceequals lower weight and vice versa). Accordingly, the internal hollowspace 206A, 206B, 206C is represented by hashed lines within therespective body portions 204A, 204B, 204C to indicate that that size maydiffer from one weighted component to the next.

Note that the variation of the size of the internal hollow space in theweighted components is one potential way to provide a plurality ofweight levels of the weighted components, particularly when the weightedcomponents are all made of the same type of material. In such a case,the external shape and size of various weight levels may remain the sameto maintain consistency in the mode of attachment to the paddle.Alternatively, another potential way to provide the various weights foradjustment includes maintaining the external shape for engagement whileusing materials of different densities and/or other naturally orunnaturally occurring characteristics to vary the weights thereof. Forexample, a lightweight, plastic weighted component is likely lighterthan a weighted component of the same size formed from a metal, such ascopper or brass.

Weighted components may be formed in a variety of structures to beconfigured to, and/or dimensioned to, be installed in unique anddistinct manners that correspond with the features of the paddle towhich installation is possible. For example, in an embodiment, weightedcomponent 200A may include helical threading 208A on the body portion206A; whereby the weighted component 200A may be installed in a paddle(i.e., in a correspondingly structured component receptacle (not shownin FIG. 2 )) via a threaded engagement with the component receptacle. Inan alternative embodiment, weighted component 200B may include one ormore protrusions 208B along the surface of the body portion 206B;whereby the weighted component 200B may be installed in a paddle (i.e.,in a correspondingly structured component receptacle (not shown in FIG.2 )) via a twist/turn engagement with the component receptacle. Inanother alternative embodiment, weighted component 200C may have asubstantially smooth, texture-free surface 208C along the surface of thebody portion 206C; whereby the weighted component 200C may be installedin a paddle (i.e., in a correspondingly structured component receptacle)via a frictional interference engagement with the component receptacle(i.e., surface friction between closely dimensionally sized opposingsurfaces of the weight component and the component receptacle (not shownin FIG. 2 )).

Moreover, in other embodiments not shown expressly in the drawings, thecomponent receptacles may couple to the weighted components via one ofepoxy, adhesive, magnetic attraction, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates an additional, and/or alternative, embodiment of apaddle 300 configured to combine with a weighted edge guard 302. In anembodiment, the weighted edge guard may be quickly swappable with anon-weighted, or differently-weighted edge guard (not-shown), perhapsvia a magnetic engagement or snappable plugs that connect with thecomponent receptacles, where the plugs extend inwardly from the edgeguard. As such, the weighted edge guard 302 may serve a dual purpose, asboth a protection from damage to the edge 304 of the paddle 300, and asadditional weight (i.e., a weighted component, either entirely made ofheavier material than what is normally used as an edge guard, or insegments as explained herein below). Weighted edge guard 302 may beapplied to the edge 304 of paddle 300 by attaching a first end 306 nearthe handle 308 and continuing to lay the weighted edge guard 302 alongthe edge until the second end 310 is laid against the edge 304 at theother side of the handle 308.

In an embodiment, weighted edge guard may be manufactured using a mixedmaterial including some particles mixed therein which are more denseand/or a larger mass than the other materials of the mix, so as tospread the weight more evenly around the paddle when applied. In such anembodiment, the weighted edge guard may be entirely considered as a“weighted component” to swap with a standard and lighter edge guard ontoa paddle 300. Alternatively, a weighted edge guard 302 may bemanufactured with segments 312 which include added weight components, asdepicted, where the material is noticeably heavier than the adjacentmaterial of the continuous weighted edge guard 302. That is, weightedcomponents may be disposed within or incorporated into the edge guard atthe edge 304 of the paddle 300.

Thus, in an embodiment, the weighted components may be an integral partof an edge guard of the paddle, either in an entirety of, or as one ormore integral segments of the edge guard. Alternatively, the weightedcomponents may be a removable section of the edge guard and may beweighted differently than other segments of the edge guard. For example,the weighted component 312 may be a strip of a material with a differentweight than a similarly sized segment of the other edge guard material.Moreover, the weighted component 312 strip may have a thickness equal toor different than a thickness of the edge guard 302.

It is noted that the term “configured to,” as used or may be used hereinand/or in the associated claims (e.g., “an [element] configured to[action]”), may be interpreted to include a meaning conveyed by atleast: the plain meaning of the words, the interpretation by which oneskilled in the art would understand it, or that the element is such thata feature thereof has intentional design and/or structural aspects toaccommodate the intentional action for which the element isdescribed/recited. Likewise, the term “dimensioned to” as used or may beused herein and/or in the associated claims (e.g., “[element A]dimensioned to [example actions: be accommodated within, engage with,etc.] [element B]”), may be interpreted to include a meaning conveyed byat least: the plain meaning of the words, the interpretation by whichone skilled in the art would understand it, or that the element A has acorresponding size and/or shape (where applicable) such that element Aconforms with the intentionally expressed action with respect to thecorresponding element B, as described/recited.

Discussion of Potential Advantages of the Disclosure

A weight adjustable pickleball paddle may improve the strength, speed,and/or skill of a user. These improvements may result from training,playing, and/or competing with such a paddle. For example, by trainingwith a heavier weighted paddle, the user may increase strength in amanner similar to the effect of resistance training. The heavierweighted paddle may require additional strength and muscle mass foreffective use. Thus, with prolonged use of the weight adjustable paddle,the user may acclimate and build the greater strength needed. Naturallythen, the increased strength may increase speed and/or power of a swing.

Rather than simply increase the weight all at once, in a slightlydifferent program of resistance training, progressive overload is acommon training method entailing progressively increasing exposure togradually increasing resistance. As such, a weight adjustable paddlelike that disclosed herein, which permits a user multiple options bothin location and different weight quantities, allows the user to selectwhere and how many of the weighted components to add and to graduallyincrease the overall weight of the paddle over an extended period oftime. Thus, a user's body may be able to more gradually acclimate to theincreased paddle weight. The gradual increase may also reduce the riskof injury.

With respect to the potential benefit of increased hitting power, it isnoted that when the weight of, and/or the quantity implemented of,weighted components is adjusted, the user may experience an increase tothe hitting power due to the increased strength. Interestingly, andadditionally, hitting power may increase as a result of an increase inweight of the paddle. For instance, the increased weight may increasethe inertia of the paddle resulting in increased force (i.e., hittingpower).

As mentioned briefly above, the use of weighted components mayadditionally improve the torsional stability of the paddle. When a ballis hit off center on the paddle, a torsion may result (i.e., rotationabout the handle of the paddle). In other words, hitting a ball abovecenter on the paddle may result in the top rotating backwards, as thebottom rotates forward. In coupling the weighted components to theperimeter of the paddle—or more specifically to a position abovecenter—the additional weight may help to reduce the torsion experiencedupon contact and provide the paddle with increased torsional stability.Thus, the weighted components may be added to a variety of locationsalong the perimeter of the paddle to provide increased torsionalstability as may be needed and/or wanted.

The weighted components may also be, advantageously, used to adjust thesweet spot of the paddle. Sweet spots are a location on the paddle withthe greatest efficacy for contact. The sweet spot is typically locatedin the center or lower center of the paddle. Many users tend to hit theball high in the paddle, resulting in a lackluster power and anirritating vibration. However, by taking advantage of a paddle withadjustable weight, the user may be able to add weight toward thedirection where the individual often hits the ball (i.e., toward an edgeabove the center during swinging corresponding with hitting the ballhigh in the paddle). This may result in altering the sweet spot tocorrespond with the typical contact location.

Additionally, the weighted components may allow the user tocounterbalance the paddle. Occasionally, manufacturing variations,and/or habits of personal use of a paddle, may cause the paddle to bebalanced incorrectly and/or undesirably. For example, the paddle may beheavier at a location opposite the handle. This may make the paddledifficult for some users to control. Accordingly, the user may benefitfrom counterbalancing the paddle by increasing the weight at a locationcloser to the handle. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the paddle maybe weighted in other locations on the paddle to counterbalance thepaddle as desired.

Other advantages provided by weight adjustable sports equipment,including pickleball paddles as discussed herein, may or may not beexpressly described, but may be recognized by a professional and/or uponuse of the equipment.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features oracts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weight adjustable pickleball paddle systemcomprising: a main body including opposing playable faces; a handleattached to the main body; a component receptacle located in a lateraledge of the main body and between the playable faces; and a weightedcomponent dimensioned to be accommodated within the componentreceptacle.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the componentreceptacle has a cavity shaped to secure the weighted component thereinunless manually manipulated for removal from the cavity.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the component receptacle has a threadedcavity to receive the weighted component threadingly.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the weighted component includes: a headportion, a body portion extending from the head portion, and aprotrusion extending laterally from the body portion, the componentreceptacle has a cavity shaped to receive the body portion with theprotrusion on the weighted component, and the weighted component issecured to the component receptacle via a rotational twist at the headportion.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the componentreceptacle secures the weighted component via a surface frictional fit.6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weighted componentincludes: a head portion, a body portion that extends from the headportion, and an internal hollow space within the body portion.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein: the weighted component is a firstweighted component among a plurality of weighted components equal insize to the first weighted component, and the weighted components of theplurality of weighted components are groupable by different weightamounts.
 8. A weight adjustable pickleball paddle comprising: a mainbody including opposing playable faces; a handle attached to the mainbody; and a component receptacle located in a lateral edge of the mainbody of the paddle and between the playable faces.
 9. The paddleaccording to claim 8, wherein the component receptacle is a firstcomponent receptacle, and wherein the paddle further comprises a secondreceptacle located symmetrically opposite the first componentreceptacle.
 10. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein the componentreceptacle is a first component receptacle, and wherein the paddlefurther comprises a second component receptacle located in a groupingwith the first component receptacle.
 11. The paddle according to claim8, wherein: the component receptacle is a first component receptacle ina first group of component receptacles, and the paddle further comprisesa second component receptacle in a second group of componentreceptacles.
 12. The paddle according to claim 11, wherein: the firstgroup of component receptacles is located on a first lateral side of themain body, and the second group of component receptacles is located on asecond lateral side of the main body, symmetrically oppositely disposedfrom the first group of component receptacles.
 13. The paddle accordingto claim 11, wherein: the component receptacles in the first group ofcomponent receptacles are evenly spaced along a first lateral side ofthe main body, and the component receptacles in the second group ofcomponent receptacles are evenly spaced along a second lateral side ofthe main body.
 14. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein thecomponent receptacle is sized and shaped to receive therein a weightedcomponent.
 15. A weight adjustable sports equipment system comprising: amain body; a handle attached to the main body; and a weighted componentdimensioned to be accommodated on the main body.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the weighted component is a edge guardthat protects the edges of the main body, the edge guard including: afirst segment that has a first weight, and a second segment that isequal in size to the first segment and has a second weight, and whereinthe first weight is heavier than the second weight.
 17. The systemaccording to claim 15, wherein: the main body has a perimeter edge thatis bound by opposing playable faces, and the weighted component isaccommodated within the perimeter edge between the opposing playablefaces.
 18. The system according to claim 15, wherein: the main body hasa perimeter edge that is bound by opposing playable faces, and whereinthe system further comprises a component receptacle located between theopposing playable faces and shaped to accommodate the weighted componenttherein.
 19. The system according to claim 15, wherein: the main bodyhas a perimeter edge that is bound by opposing playable faces, andwherein the system further comprises an edge guard that wraps along theperimeter edge.
 20. The system according to claim 15, wherein theweighted component is accommodated within one of a plurality ofcomponent receptacle locations distributed along a perimeter edge of themain body.